Under-tens aren't exactly a tough crowd to please, and all too often game developers have used this as an excuse to turn in an inferior product. That said, you only need to take a look at the likes of Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster and the licensed LEGO games to see that things are on the up. Disney Universe borrows heavily from the latter franchise to deliver a charming co-op multiplayer experience inspired by some of the most iconic film properties ever created.

Eurocom's family-friendly action-adventure combines puzzle elements with satisfyingly simple combat, vibrant colors and some impressive level design. The developers have taken a leaf out of LittleBigPlanet's book, casting players as nameless block-headed avatars that are essentially walking canvases. You can deck them out in costumes made famous by Disney characters old and new, from Mickey, Donald and Goofy to Jack Sparrow.

The game is set in the Disney Universe theme park, a virtual playground containing six worlds based on the studio's best-known movies. An evil force has invaded the park and turned its once helpful artificial intelligence into malevolent drones. If that isn't bad enough, the inhabitants of each world have been taken prisoner, and it's up to you to save the day.

Disney Universe has a lot to offer in the level design stakes. There's a Pirates of the Caribbean stage with ships to board and caves to plunder, an aptly surreal Alice in Wonderland level and a Lion King world with vast plains to trek across. Each world consists of a trio of areas containing three short levels. You'll spend most of your time solving simplistic puzzles - pulling a lever here, dragging an object there - and engaging in straightforward combat. Defeating most of those AI minions comes down to button-bashing, but that doesn't mean there's no fun to be had doing it (at least for the kids, and possibly those with short attention spans).

Variety and reinforcement is certain to hold the attention of its target audience, and maybe turn a few adult heads too. You'll wield a fun-packed arsenal comprising ice guns, boxing gloves, medusa heads for stunning foes and beehives for unleashing swarms upon them. There are regular rewards in the shape of new costumes (from Pixar-inspired to Tron-themed) each time you rescue a captive, and concept art and music scores for retrieving collectables. Bonus minigames and optional puzzles are also hidden throughout each world.

So there's plenty on offer in the way of incentives, but at times it feels like these have been added to paper over some of the game's cracks. For instance, adults may find that its simplicity gives rise to a sense of boredom and repetitiveness once you've reached the final area of each world. Disney Universe rarely punishes the player. Falling in poisoned water or colliding with an enemy simply results in losing coins. Repetition is also an issue where gameplay is concerned. No amount of new character skins can fully compensate for the fact that both puzzles and combat fail to grow in challenge and complexity throughout.

Up to four players can take part in local co-op, and this is where Disney Universe really shines. The multiplayer mode makes the game four times as fun, and is ideal for the entire family to play together. Gameplay doesn't radically alter, but you'll be fighting over power-ups and going head-to-head with one another in arcade-style minigames for prizes. Although it's teamwork-driven, players are ranked based on how well they performed throughout each core mission, which adds a competitive edge.

Disney Universe is a great-looking game, bursting with the color and vibrancy of the studio's animated film offerings. The backgrounds have been beautifully drawn and polished until they gleam. There's something for everyone around the theme park. Traditional Disney is well represented, and Pixar fans will feel right at home in WALL-E World. Then there are the live-action themed stages for the older generation. Buoyant music and sound effects round off the experience nicely, doing their bit to capture the Disney magic.

Disney Universe is by no means the most original game in the world. It borrows shamelessly from multiple sources, from LittleBigPlanet to the LEGO games, and even the plot has been lifted from a Kingdom Hearts title. However, the developers have taken these influences and combined them in a compelling way. The result is a fun-filled affair, that more than compensates for its simplicity with strong multiplayer support and creative level design. A great title for all the family to enjoy together.